Tag: Short Stories

Blurb

A collection of short stories that covers several genres including romance, grief/loss, mystery, suspense, sci-fi, fantasy and paranormal. This book is dedicated to a courageous friend who passed this year. The first story is specially created for her and is the inspiration for the title of this book.

From the Author

I began these short stories about six months ago. They were going to be a collection of holiday and seasonal stories. This all changed when I connected on FB with my high school friend, Anne Gillis Benedetto. We had been following one another there since 2015.

Anne mentioned on her FB page that she had lost her husband. She was in profound torment over his loss. I followed her notes and added my condolences as did many others. We chatted back and forth, and she reminded me of the last time we had been together at our fifth high school reunion. We spent the time reminiscing over how much fun we had with many laughs.

In one of her later posts, she announced that she had breast cancer with only months to live. This horrific news was devastating not only to me but to many of her close friends in Florida and around the country. I wrote a short story about her and her beloved husband and sent it to her asap. In my letter, I told her I wanted to dedicate this book to her. She wrote a lovely letter of gratitude back to me. Unfortunately, she died before I could present this book to her.

Anyone who knew Anne loved her. She was an incredibly beautiful person inside and out. She had a kind heart and did for others up until the time she passed on January 3, 2017. I pray she is smiling down on this book now. I want this book to keep Anne’s memory alive for all who knew her and introduce her to those who didn’t.

My Review

I have read many of Janice Spina’s books and have never been disappointed. She writes with clarity and warmth. She doesn’t shy away from delving into another genre, as is evidenced by this eclectic collection of short stories.

The author’s tribute to her friend is heartwarming and is just the first story in this delightful collection. I recommend An Angel Among Us to everyone, as there are stories from multiple genres that are sure to appeal. This book can be read all at once or story by story. It is perfect for those who don’t have a lot of time but want something to read with their coffee or before bed or whenever they have a few minutes without committing to a full-length book.

An Angel Among Us gets a thumbs up from me.

This book was gifted to me. I was neither paid nor required to give this honest review.

About the Author

Janice Spina is an award-winning author with eight children’s books, Louey the Lazy Elephant, Ricky the Rambunctious Raccoon, Jerry the Crabby Crayfish, Lamby the Lonely Lamb, Jesse the Precocious Polar Bear, Broose the Moose on the Loose, Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey, and Colby the Courageous Cat, and four YA/MG/P/T books, Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series, Books 1-4, copy editor and writer of novels and poetry. Hunting Mariah is her first novel to be published under J.E. Spina. She published her second novel, a paranormal/mystery/romance, How Far Is Heaven, June 2016. Book 3 of Davey & Derek Junior Detectives was published in August 2016 and Book 4 of Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series in December on 2016. An Angel Among Us, a short story collection, was published in March 2017.

Janice has received a Silver Medal from MOM’S Choice Awards for Lamby the Lonely Lamb and the Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards for Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Book 1, The Case of the Missing Cell Phone, and Book 2,The Case of the Mysterious Black Cat, and Book 3, The Case of the Magical Ivory Elephant, and an Honorable Mention from Readers’ Favorite for Book 1, The Case of the Missing Cell Phone.

She is working on two more children’s books, plans to edit a YA fantasy, a mystery/romance, and a historical novel, and wants to begin a mystery series for PT girls. All of these books, hopefully over the next few years, will be published.

Her logo is Jemsbooks – books for all ages! Her motto is – Reading Gives You Wings to Fly! Come soar with Jemsbooks! Happy reading!

Janice’s hobbies besides writing are crocheting, exercising to keep in shape, loves going to the movies with her husband or out to lunch or dinner, reading, book reviewing, blogging and spending time with her five grandchildren who are her writing inspiration.

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Disclaimer

All books reviewed here are either purchased by me, given to me by friends or family, won in another blog's giveaway, received from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program, Goodreads, or from the author or publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I do not receive money for my reviews. I review books because I am an avid reader and love to share my thoughts about the books I read.